The terms and conditions of becoming a student at the College carries with it a responsibility to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Any conduct which adversely interferes with teaching and learning, is disrespectful or breaches any element of the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. The Code of Conduct is referenced in the Student Terms and Conditions and is clarified in more detail in the Disciplinary Procedures for Students

On and off-campus and in areas associated with the College students must:

1. behave responsibly and within the law, fostering mutual respect and understanding between all members of the College community, on and off campus;

   • this includes complying with the regulations and guidance associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, such as: observing social distancing measures and social gathering sizes; wearing a face covering when required (if not exempt); observing self-isolation and/or quarantine restrictions (under NHS Test & Trace or returning from a country not on the UK government travel corridor list); plus any other examples not listed here

2. recognise and tolerate differing opinions and freedom of expression / speech of others, such as staff and peers during academic debate

3. communicate in ways that does not offend others (not using abusive or obscene language or engaging in any form of violence or anti-social behaviour) on campus, digitally (ie social media) and within the local community

4. comply with reasonable requests by members of staff and communicate in a respectful, professional manner (such as through email, Google Classroom and social media groups)

5. ensure mobile phones and other personal media devices remain personal and do not interfere with study (ie not using mobiles during lectures)

6. ensure that information of a personal or sensitive nature is not shared without consent (including sharing or sending of personal details, images, memes or recordings etc. of other students, members of staff or clients (including others’ work) without permission)

7. comply with the College Dignity at Study Policy; relating to zero tolerance for bullying and harassment; both on and off campus and via digital communications (ie social media / messenger groups)

8. comply with the College Equality and Diversity Policy; relating to zero tolerance of breaches of the Equality Act 2010, including expressions of hatred (i.e. hate speech) towards individuals or groups on account of their protected characteristics

9. comply with the College ICT Acceptable Use Policy (i.e. internet for educational use, no download or installation of executables, sending or receiving anything that may cause offence to others)

10. attend each timetabled class/studio/workshop session whenever possible (starting the session on time and remaining until the time-tabled end of the session)

11. contribute positively to the work of individual programmes / courses, working in groups when required and when in collaboration with other programmes / courses

12. treat all College property and resources with respect (i.e. PCs and items loaned from the ERC) extending to the work and property of fellow students and staff

13. respect the College physical environment, including not littering or adding graffiti

14. respect the College virtual environment, when applicable, treating other users with respect and dignity

15. act in a way that does not adversely affect College operations including compliance with the College’s Health and Safety policies (such as observing fire alarms) and to any specific requirements that apply to areas of work/study

16. ensure they do not bring alcohol onto the campus (except when permitted for official organised events) nor any form of illegal Class A or B non-prescription drugs, nor deal drugs on campus

17. disclose immediately to the College, via subject leader, if they are charged with, and/or convicted of, a serious criminal offence

Off campus, the College works hard to build good relationships with the local community. It works with local representatives such as the Council and the Police in order to help make College campuses and the surrounding areas safe, friendly environments to live and work. In that context, students are to:

18. help to support these relationships in the way that they conduct themselves in the surrounding area

19. be considerate to neighbours, as well as fellow housemates, especially in relation to noise levels and disposal of refuse/recycling

20. act within the law and not engage in activity or behaviour that is likely to bring the College into disrepute.

Student misconduct will be dealt with in accordance with the Disciplinary Procedures for Students; these procedures also give further examples of how the Code of Code of Conduct could be breached including off campus. These are designed to ensure the provision of a safe, secure and respectful environment that supports the learning process and promotes acceptable conduct at all times.

The procedures are designed to ensure students are aware of the standards required and can be supported where and as appropriate to ensure compliance. However, serious or persistent breaches of the Code of Conduct, while thankfully rare, can result in withdrawal from studies.

All students are expected to observe their social responsibilities to the community of Plymouth and any other area where they live or are engaged with studies/work related to their programme; to act with consideration and respect for the welfare and interests of members of the wider community as well as fellow students. We work hard to build good relationships with the local community and work with local representatives such as Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police in order to help make College campuses and the surrounding areas safe, friendly environments to live and work. In that context, students should help to support these relationships in the way that they conduct themselves in the surrounding area, such as being considerate to neighbours, as well as fellow housemates, especially in relation to noise levels and disposal of refuse/recycling while also acting within the law and not engaging in activity or behaviour that is likely to bring the College into disrepute.

Disciplinary action may be taken if students bring the College into disrepute.